Title:THE NAZI SUPREME COURT TRIAL OF THE ANTI-HITLER PLOT, SEPT 1944 - JAN 1945 [Main Title]
Film Number:FOY 1
Other titles:
Summary: Edited compilation of German film record of scenes from the trials in the Volksgerichtshof, Berlin, of some of the leading members of the bomb plot attempt on Hitler's life on 20 July 1944.
Description: Court President Roland Freisler alternately threatens, cajoles, insults and interrupts the defendants: von Witzleben, Hoepner, Stieff, von Hase, Yorck von Wartenburg, Schwerin von Schwanenfeld, Goerdeler, von Helldorf, Trott zu Solz, Werner von der Schulenburg, Chaplain Wehrle, Wirmer and von Hassell. Proceedings are filmed by a camera concealed behind the swatika flag draped behind the Court President. Camera focuses mainly on the defendants and Freisler, but also records reactions (impassive, fidgety, humorous) of various members of the audience (military, SS and civilian) throughout the trial. Additional film (excerpts from Die Deutsche Wochenschau newsreel) recalls von Witzleben receiving his Field Marshal's baton from Hitler, von Helldorf at a marchpast by the Berlin Police, von Hassell signing a document when German Ambassador to Rome, the ruins of the Wolf's Lair after the bomb explosion and Hitler visiting the victims in hospital. Only filmed evidence is that provided by Beck's housekeeper who salutes jauntily as she leaves the courtroom. Compilation concludes with Freisler pronouncing the death sentence on Goerdeler, Leuschner, Wirmer and von Hassell.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:FOY 1
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1945
Production Country: United States of America
Production Details: Office of Strategic Services Photographic Branch (Prepared and presented by) (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: German
Title language: English
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 4
Footage: 3937 ft; Running time: 43 mins
